Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 1 Series?

The older 118d diesel powertrain has been among the most popular, but it isn't available in the newer models. This diesel engine had a good balance of value and power, rated at 148bhp. The most popular petrol engine is the 118i, likely because it's the entry level in the lineup, making it the most affordable to buy.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

The new 1 Series comes in five trims: SE, Sport, 128ti, M Sport and M135i. The M Sport is among the most popular in the used market because of its upgraded performance and styling features, including upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and special 'M' trim detailing.

Is the BMW 1 Series a good family car?

Even though it's a compact hatchback, the BMW 1 Series is a good car for families. While it can be tight for adults in the rear seat, there's plenty of room for children, and ISOFIX points are included for child seats.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 1 Series?

BMW hasn't fitted a hybrid powertrain to the 1 Series yet. It has only been offered with traditional petrol and diesel engines.

Is the BMW 1 Series available as an automatic?

The 1 Series has been available as an automatic and with a manual gearbox. Both of these are popular among the used models, so it should be easy for customers to find the example that suits their needs.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

The BMW 1 Series started as a rear-wheel drive car. It was later reconfigured to have front-wheel drive as standard. The top specification M135i is equipped with all-wheel drive, as are some variants of the 120d. Look out for cars badged as xDrive - this is the name of BMW's all-wheel drive system.

2,630 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,499

Finance available £442 pm

3L
53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Reduced

£21,799

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Shelbourne Autoselect

02838299034 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
129.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Chapel Hill Motors

01484506279 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav]

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,898

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SRM Motors Ltd

02037587457 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,410

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Burnley Kia

01282501810 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti LCP 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,750

Finance available £552 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,502

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£1,995

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Max Bradley Cars

01621734802 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,000

Finance available £349 pm

3L
70.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TMC Motors

01252960115 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118D M Sport 5dr

£7,075

Finance available £136 pm

2L
120.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Heathrow Car Centre

01895542968 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

C Fierro Garages

01889440699 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (14) - 116i Sports - 1.6L Petrol-Automatic-Ulez/caz pass-Free 24months gold warran 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,099

Finance available £136 pm

1.6L
35.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carolina Motors UK

01733666958 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,449

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,054

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (7D) - 3 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,987

Finance available £390 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

North Loop Autohaus

01527911876 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,490

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
101.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

5/5 Stars

Why buy a used BMW 1 Series?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, fun to drive and stylish, then a used BMW 1 Series is a fantastic choice. With BMW build quality, a used 1 Series provides luxury motoring at an affordable price. The interior offers supportive seating, high-tech features and upscale materials that provide a refined driving experience.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros

Economical diesels
Fun to drive
Excellent build quality

Cons

Lack of hybrid/electric model
Limited cabin and boot space
Firm ride

Read our BMW 1 Series review

BMW 1 Series video review

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Used BMW 1 Series buying guide

Engines and transmissions

The BMW 1 Series has been available with petrol and diesel engines, a manual or an automatic gearbox, and rear, front or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5-litre 118i produces 134bhp for a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds and an efficiency rating of up to 49.6mpg. This is the most popular engine.
2.0-litre 128ti boosts the output to 261bhp, giving it a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and an efficiency rating of 40.9mpg.
3.0-litre M135i tops the range with 315bhp and a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds, but the efficiency drops to 35mpg.

Diesel

1.5-litre 116d makes 114bhp for a 10-second 0-60mph time and a rating of up to 62.8mpg.
2.0-litre 120d outputs 187bhp to reduce the 0-62mph time to 7.3 seconds, while still maintaining efficiency of up to 57.6mpg.
Older 118d creates 147bhp and was one of the most popular options.

Practicality

Despite being a compact car, the 1 Series hatchback provides a surprising amount of room, making it practical for everyday driving.

Interior space

Front seats are supportive and offer a lot of room.
Rear seats can be tight for adults on long drives.
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are easy to access.

Boot space

380-litre boot compares with the Audi A3.
Folding the rear seats down opens up 1,200 litres of room.
Available 40:20:40 split folding seats allow for the middle seat to be folded independently.

Bodystyles

Five-door hatchback has been the main body style since its introduction.
Three-door hatchback was discontinued after the second generation.
Two-door coupé was available for part of the first generation, later joining the 2 Series lineup.
Two-door convertible was only available during the first generation, but later became part of the 2 Series lineup.

Safety

Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating given in 2019.
87% rating for child occupant and an 83% adult occupant rating.
Standard safety kit includes parking sensors (front and rear), cruise control and LED headlights.

Technology

10.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional driver display matches the 3 Series.
Larger 10.3-inch infotainment system display replaced the smaller 8.8-inch model.
Available wireless device charging.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros